Springbank 10 Year Local Barley

This is delicious whisky. I’m marking it under 4 simply because it’s not great value with how expensive it is. I get the concept and, in typical Springbank style, they succeed brilliantly. The only issue is the price. Otherwise, a definite 4.

The second of the two Local Barley releases that comprise the night’s refreshment is the 10-year-old, the third in the series after the 16 and the 11. It’s a higher ABV and also comprises some ex-sherry cask spirit, so the difference with the 11 that I tried alongside it is more than just the age statement. It’s creamier on the nose and more complex. The malty notes evoke warm bread, almonds and walnut cake. As with the 11, the palate is faithful to the nose, and it’s very smooth despite the high strength. Still, it plays nicely with water, blooming into flavors of dark chocolate. The finish is rich and treacly. This is a cracker of a whisky and I much preferred it to the 11. Now, who’s going to share some of that vaunted 16-year-old with me?